We have long understood that humans are social creatures. We live always needing other people and are even always bound in life together. This basic reality often finds a different reality. Each person upholds their ego so that unity and movement together towards a predetermined vision becomes increasingly difficult. Therefore, deep reflection on life together is needed, so that each person realizes their existence as an organism that is mutually bound to one another towards a shared goal.

Our passage still talks about the process of returning to Jerusalem. Several stages have been passed, starting from observing the land of Jerusalem, to rebuilding. Now that the process has been completed, it is time to fill the land of Jerusalem again with Jews. Lots were cast to determine those who would go to Jerusalem. Those who had been chosen were recorded well by Nehemiah as seen in the passage we are reading now. In verses 15-24, the people from the tribe of Levi are recorded with their respective roles. They are responsible for aspects of worship in the house of God.

The people are recorded based on their tribal origins. In verse 15, for example, the name Shemaiah son of Azrikam son of Hasbiah son of Buni is mentioned, there are also Shabbetai and Jozabad. Those mentioned are the leaders of the Levites who moved to Jerusalem and numbered two hundred and eighty-four people. In addition, people with their specific roles are also mentioned, such as Akkub and Talmon who guarded the gates of the House of God. Not only in Jerusalem, but other Levites lived in all the cities of Judah. ​​They filled the role of servants of the temple of God. So that each person could carry out their role well, people were appointed to oversee them in Jerusalem.

A life together that is built in any context certainly requires the willingness of each individual to lower their ego and be involved in working together based on a mission that has been previously prepared. If each person only thinks about themselves, then the common goal will not be achieved. This is what we can reflect on now. The Levites made themselves available to return to Jerusalem and dedicate themselves through worship duties. What is God's calling that we can do in order to participate in the life together that we live? Be it in society, the work environment, or our respective associations. Offer ourselves for the glory of His name, because that is what God wants us to do.